Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed
Luke 12:15 “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
The Bible contains many words of encouragement, but it also contains warnings and reminders to live our life in a way which is pleasing to God. The first to words of our Bible verse for this week give you a clear clue that this week’s Bible verse is a warning to live our life in a way which gives glory to God – “Watch out!”.
We could rightly say that the subject of this week’s Bible verse is a warning against materialism. Here is one definition of materialism which I found: a tendency to consider material possessions and physical comfort as more important than spiritual values.
God give us physical blessings and wants us to enjoy them, but they are not to be the be all and end all of our lives. So exactly how do you watch out and be on your guard against greed and not make sure your life is measured by the abundance of your possessions?
Have you noticed how most of the advertising you are bombarded with tempts you to fall into the trap of materialism and greed time and time again? Just listen to the words of the commercials which tell you that you “need” the product they are plugging or watch the commercials which try to portray how happy or beautiful or successful they will make you.
Did you ever think that your friends and those you associate with can have an influence on your desire for making either material or spiritual things the most important in your life? Are you hanging around with those who have to be constantly “keeping up with Jones” or with people who make sure that God’s Word is front and center in their life and that is guides them in how they live, think, speak and act?
How you spend your time is also a good check on whether you are falling into the trap of materialism. Is it all about what “I” want or “I need” or do you use your time to see how you can serve others? There is a word of warning in place on this subject. You can also make time your god and be so obsessed with serving others that you don’t take care of yourself or spending some time resting and refreshing so you can take care of the temple of your body which God gave you.
Your spending habits are probably the most telling sign of whether you have made materialism your god or not? Is Amazon Prime your biggest habit or do you have to always have the newest, latest and greatest? Is giving to God and others a part of your budget or an afterthought?
Philanthropy is a big part of the culture of The Lutheran Home Association. Our organization would likely not exist if Sophie Boessling had been consumed with satisfying her selfish desires. On a weekly basis we have people who are willing to give heartfelt gifts to support and sustain our ministry. May we learn from such selfless, giving people how to avoid the lure of greed and use our possessions and blessings to the praise and glory of God!